Philadelphia International Music Festival - Italy
and History of Music Tour
July 30 - August 9, 2025 | Cremona, Italy
The Philadelphia International Music Festival – Italy (July 30 – August 9, 2025) is designed for advanced violinists and cellists 14-19 years of age preparing for upcoming solo performances and competitions. This exciting new program will include: three private lessons, daily 30-minute workout sessions with an assigned faculty accompanist, daily hour-long solo performance classes, five hours of required daily private practice, and a week-ending Grand Finale Recital in one of the stunning performance halls in Cremona.
Students and families will both reside in Cremona, Italy, enjoying authentic Italian-style meals throughout the week-long program. While students are in training, guests attending the “Family & Friends” program will tour the surrounding towns via Luxury Motorcoach. Destinations include Venice, Busseto, Modena, Milan, Verona, and Parma! Students will join the traveling adventures at the conclusion of the Grand Finale performance at Cremona’s Ponchielli Opera House.
Tour of Historic Northern Italian Cities:
National Museum of Giuseppe Verdi-Busseto
Luciano Pavarotti Museum - Modena
La Scala
Opera House - Milan
Teatro La Fenice Opera House Venice
Arena di Verona -
Verona
International Museum and Library of Music - Bologna
Highlights
Session Dates
Accomodations
11-Day Schedule
Audition Information
Fees & Payment Options
FAQ
Highlights
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Three private lessons with members of our world-class faculty, including members of The Philadelphia Orchestra
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Daily thirty-minute workouts with assigned faculty accompanist
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Daily hour-long solo performance classes
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Four-five hours of required daily private practice
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Week-ending Grand Finale Recital in one of Cremona’s stunning performance halls
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Four-day tour of historic cities in stunning Northern Italy
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Exciting family & friends tour (see 11-Day Schedule tab for additional information)
Session Dates
July 30 – August 9, 2025
Accomodations
- Festival participants will reside at the Liceo Vida High School in the heart of historic Cremona, Italy
- Family and friends participating in the PIMF Italy Tour Package will reside in Hotel Astoria Cremona – just a few steps from the Duomo and the Torrazzo.
11-Day Schedule
Family & Friends:
- Day 1: Travel from New York City to Northern Italy.
- Day 2: Tour Cremona, Italy – the city of Violins
- Day 3 – 10: Eight-Day Tour of Northern Italy including the following destinations:
- Busseto, Modena, Milan, Verona, Bologna, Venice, Lake Como
- Day 11: Travel from Northern Italy to New York City
Festival Participants:
- Day 1: Travel from New York City to Northern Italy
- Day 2: Tour Cremona, Italy – the City of Violins
- Day 3 – 7: Festival Activities with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra in Historic Cremona, Italy
- Day 8 – 10: Three Day Tour of Northern Italy including the following destinations:
- Milan, Verona, Venice
- Day 11: Travel from Northern Italy to New York City
Audition Information
Entrance into this program is by audition only. There is no audition required for the family & friends tour. All are welcome to attend.
Audition Requirements:
Audition Requirements:
- 5-10 minutes of current, well-prepared solo repertoire.
- Performances may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- Audition recordings should include at least two contrasting pieces.
- Please include scales appropriate to your instrument.
- Click here to begin the audition process today.
- PIMF Alumni may bypass the audition process and register online at any time.
Fees & Payment Options
Fees and Payment Options:
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Students: $5950
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Family & Friends: $4950
FAQ
When is the audition deadline for PIMF Italy?
Acceptance is on a rolling basis and spaces are limited. Early auditioning is highly recommended.
Is there required audition repertoire for PIMF Italy?
Please go to the audition information tab above for additional information.
How do I submit my audition materials?
PIMF uses the online portal Acceptd for all auditions. For detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, click here and choose “How to Upload Your Audition File” at the bottom of the page.
How will I know if the Program is full?
Once the program is filled to capacity, a note will be added to the page on our website. If you do not see “Filled to Capacity” at the top of the program page, we are still accepting auditions.
What if I need technical help with submitting my online audition materials?
Please feel free to contact our Operations Director at jacob.heil@pimf.org, or contact Acceptd support directly.
Is transportation included in the “Fees & Payment Options”?
No. Detailed flight information will be sent under separate cover upon registration. Group flights will be leaving from New York on Wednesday, July 30.
Participants may choose to fly on their own, meeting up with the group in Cremona, Italy July 31st
Are meals included in the “Fees & Payment Options”?
Yes! Fees include two meals daily from July 31st through August 8th.
Can Family and Friends attend PIMF Italy?
Please see the 11-Day Schedule tab above for details.
How do I register?
Festival participants will be given direction on how to register in their official Acceptance Letter, sent within 14 days of receipt of audition materials. Family and Friends participants may register at any time here.